The Sixer Sense
Fansided

2018 NBA Mock Draft 5.0

By Christopher Kline

BELGRADE, SERBIA - MARCH 30: Luka Doncic of Real Madrid in action during the 2017/2018 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season game between Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade and Real Madrid at Aleksandar Nikolic Hall on March 30, 2018 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)
BELGRADE, SERBIA - MARCH 30: Luka Doncic of Real Madrid in action during the 2017/2018 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season game between Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade and Real Madrid at Aleksandar Nikolic Hall on March 30, 2018 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images) /
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. PF/C. Michigan State. Jaren Jackson Jr.. 5. player. 38

The Magic can add some much-needed youth to their frontcourt, grabbing a long-term solution for when Nikola Vucevic‘s window inevitably closes. Behind Bamba, Jackson was arguably the second-best rim protector in college basketball this season, averaging three blocks per contest.

At 6-11 with a 7-5 wingspan, Jackson’s athleticism and mobility at the five spot is a rare weapon. He could be a nice compliment to Aaron Gordon in the frontcourt, both offensively and defensively.

On offense, Jackson has made his living as a pick-and-pop threat for the Spartans. His awkward release might give reason for pause, but he proved himself to be a reliable shooter at every level last season. He’s also a skilled scorer around the block.